Sankeys superstar

Lynda Moyo becomes a Jamelia convert at Sankeys Soap.

As part of the Hugo Boss Urban Rules free tour, R’n’B pop-star Jamelia shimmied and sassed her way onto the stage at Sankey’s Soap nightclub in Ancoats.

The tour, designed to celebrate, develop and highlight talent, was filmed by MTV Base so, as you can imagine, although there was no specific dress code, the crowd looked nothing short of ‘ghetto fabulous.’ Quite literally wearing their wealth on their sleeves, this was an utter bling-fest, if ever there was one.

“It was surprising how petit she is in real life, not quite the Amazon woman one would expect but more of Polly Pocket proportions.”

Starting at the uncomfortably early time of 7.30pm, supporting acts included unsigned artist Universe and new school crooner, Nathan, whilst DJ Steve ‘Smooth’ Sutherland lived up to his naff name by providing a not so naff mix, smoother than a white Russian.

The venue was jam packed, but not unbearable as Sankeys opened their side door to reveal an outdoor chill-out zone with funky red couches, tropical greenery and rain covers. Presumably to coincide with the looming smoking ban, this area is the kind of re-furb the dingy Sankeys Soap needed.

With the evening starting so early the general feeling was that it was going to be a long, laborious night. Somewhat pessimistic perhaps, but through past experiences of headlining artists turning up late to gigs that cost £40 a pop, it was hard to believe this free gig was going to be any different.

If we’re to believe the glossies, Jamelia has slated everyone from Beyonce to Kylie to erm, some girl off X-factor - by the sounds of it more Pop bitch than Princess of Pop. Such an early start would surely mean ‘Madam’ would turn up fashionably and irritatingly late, in true diva style, mime her latest single and then ‘do one.’ This wasn’t the case.

With a break between herself and the support acts, Jamelia took to the stage around 10pm. It was surprising how petit she is in real life, not quite the Amazon woman one would expect but more of Polly Pocket proportions. In fact she looked stunning in her spangley black dress and heels. Kicking off the show with her no.1 single ‘Superstar,’ the crowd had clearly been looking forward to her biggest hit as they danced and sang along. Vocally faultless, she warbled her way through her back catalogue of hits. She dedicated the song ‘Thank you’ to “anyone who’s going through anything.” So everyone then? Jamelia clearly didn’t want to leave anyone out.

Nathan joined her on stage for a cover of the Gnarls Barkley hit, ‘Crazy.’ Not usually one for cover versions normally, it was actually amazing. They made the song their own without ‘killing it.’ At one point Jamelia even forgot the words which she confessed to having learnt that same day. Showing her ability to laugh at herself, she sang ‘I remember when, I remember, I remember when… I forgot the words’ which the crowds applauded her for.

She then announced that ‘Beware of the Dog’ would be her last song of the evening but to dance the night away without her. To be honest you couldn’t really notice Jamelia had left the building, as the crowd got on with the night in her absence with good vibes all round. Had she have turned up late, I guarantee this wouldn’t have been the case. If the artist shows effort then the audience will always return the compliment. So it’s a big thumbs up to Jamelia for not disappointing her fans. All in all a great gig where she confirmed her superstar status and proved you shouldn’t believe everything you read (except this of course).

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Hey Lynda, This event was wicked! Me and my girls really enjoyed the fun, packed night, especially the freebies of free entry, free drinks and to top it off a bottle of Hugo! You couldn't go wrong, I just wish there were more nights in Manchester like this!